We spoke to Sophie, from Cambridgeshire while she was studying her Law Degree at the University of Oxford about her future plans and why she chose Law.
I’m currently in the final year of a law degree at Oxford. I’ve been involved in various charity initiatives and volunteering projects outside of my work and hope to continue to do this once I’ve finished university
Before university, I worked on a youth careers project for Esther McVey MP (the current Employment Minister) and as a result became really interested in the issues surrounding youth unemployment. I want to share my knowledge and experiences and encourage young people to take advantage of the opportunities available to them today. Life may be tough for young people, but with the right guidance it is still possible to succeed!
What are your future career plans?
After graduating, I plan to qualify as a solicitor and join a commercial law firm in London. The application process is really competitive though, so fingers crossed!
Why did you choose to study law?
I didn’t have a burning desire to practice law. I think it was actually my experiences at school which directed me towards law. My school invited a solicitor from a law firm in London to come and speak about her experiences; she made law sound really exciting. I also studied Economics and Politics at A level. These subjects made a law degree seem like a natural choice, it is such an interdisciplinary subject.
What are your overall impressions of your undergraduate degree so far?
At first, I thought it seemed like a lot of hard work, especially compared to other degrees! It still is! As a law student you learn quickly how to manage time effectively so that you have time for social activities etc. I also think the work ethic you have to develop is a useful skill for when you enter the working world, whether as a lawyer or another profession.
Which areas of law have you enjoyed the most?
I have particularly enjoyed trusts law, jurisprudence (theory of law) and administrative law – so quite a broad range! To be honest, I think a large part of it depends on how exciting the tutor/lecturer express’s subject and whether you can engage with the material.
Which areas of law have you found more difficult? Why do you think this was?
I found jurisprudence very challenging in the beginning, it isn’t really ‘law’, but philosophy, and it requires thinking differently. However, once I realised this and changed my approach it became very rewarding.
What skills have you developed over the course of your law degree?
Research skills (from looking for articles, cases), a clear and succinct writing style (word limits!), and being able to view a problem from different perspectives (from tutors challenging my view all the time).
What practical advice would you give to a student just about to start a law degree?
DO:
Spend time looking for the best textbook and you will save so much time! Ask for recommendations from students in the year above, look at the reviews and go to the bookshop for a few hours to look for your books!
Also try to keep all your notes makes sure they are easy to read so that when it comes to
revision you aren’t overwhelmed.
DO NOT:
Don’t speak about an exam/coursework you have just completed to other law students. Wait till after marking and share feedback, this can help each other understand different expression. Some universities, remove the name and send at the work to everyone to help students understand the difference in writing style and marking adjustments.
There are other things to do at university! Take advantage of this! This is for the sake of your own sanity, and also your CV (no one wants to employ a one-dimensional person.)
Since this interview was recorded Sophie has completed her Law Degree.
Good luck with your future plans from all at YEUK Sophie.
If you would like to be interviewed about your course of study, your future plans or just share your experience. Get in touch admin@youthemployment.org.uk
